Morocco vs Comoros Islands prediction, H2H and probable lineups - December 21, 2025
The opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where hosts Morocco welcome the Comoros Islands. Here’s a prediction for this clash with solid odds for success.
Match preview
The tournament hosts enter their home Africa Cup as favorites, aiming to capture the second title in their history. After a disappointing performance in the previous edition, where they crashed out in the round of 16, the “Atlas Lions” are under pressure from fans to deliver redemption.
Since 2023, Morocco haven’t lost a competitive match, and their status as World Cup semifinalists only heightens expectations. Even with the likely absence of several key players, the squad still boasts enough quality to take control when it matters most.
As for the Comoros Islands, it looks like Les Coelecantes are once again prepared to spring a surprise on the big stage. On their Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2021, they famously knocked Ghana out of the tournament and reached the playoffs—a result that stunned the football world at the time.
This time, under Cousin’s leadership, the squad looks even stronger: they went unbeaten throughout the qualifiers, including an away win over Tunisia. The Comorans thrive on the counter and could well trouble even the tournament favorites.
Probable lineups
- Morocco: Bounou, Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine, Ben Seghir, El Aynaoui, Saibari, Dias, En-Nesyri, Ez Abde
- Comoros Islands: Anzimati-Abudu, B. Youssouf, M’Dahoma, Souilihi, Toibibou, Bouhra, M’Changama, Z. Youssouf, Burhan, Said, Selemani
Match facts and head-to-head
- Morocco have not lost a competitive match since January 2023.
- In their last head-to-head during the Arab Cup, Morocco defeated Comoros 3-1.
- Comoros won five World Cup qualifiers, including a victory over Ghana.
Prediction
Host nations rarely lose the opening game of major tournaments, and Morocco are unlikely to be an exception. Even with a depleted squad, the Lions possess enough attacking firepower to get past their opponents. Expect a home win with a two-goal margin.